Avoid stress with these genius travel hacks next time you fly with your camera gear

Travelling as a photographer can be both exhilarating and stressful. Between navigating airports, managing expensive gear, and ensuring you’re ready to capture stunning shots, there’s a lot to juggle. Justin Mott, a seasoned travel photographer with over 20 years of experience and credits in The New York Times, National Geographic, and Time Magazine, knows this all too well.

Based in Hanoi, Vietnam, Justin has travelled the world for assignments and commercial shoots, picking up invaluable travel hacks along the way. In this video, he shares his top tips for photographers looking to streamline their travel experience and elevate their craft.

The Ugly Photography Vest Hack

Justin’s first tip might be familiar to anyone who regularly flies budget airlines: invest in a photography vest. While they may not win any fashion awards, these vests are a lifesaver when flying with camera gear, and airlines are always cracking down on carry-on limits.

Justin recommends rolling up a lightweight, pocket-filled vest and stashing it in your roller bag. If you’re flagged for exceeding weight limits, simply load your heavy gear (like batteries and lenses) into the vest’s pockets and wear it onto the plane.

“It’s like Joey from Friends wearing all the clothes,” Justin jokes. “They can’t stop you from wearing it.” For frequent travellers, he suggests labelling the pockets to streamline the process.

Always Carry a Pocketable Camera

Inspiration can strike at any moment, especially during flights. Justin advises photographers to always carry a compact camera (or phone with a decent camera) and choose the window seat. “You never know when you’ll see the perfect cloud formation or a breathtaking cityscape during landing,” he says.

On one assignment flying into Kuala Lumpur, Justin captured a stunning shot of palm oil plantations from his window seat that ended up being published. A small, portable camera ensures you’re always ready to seize these unexpected opportunities.

Backup Everything, Twice

Justin’s mantra for travel photography: “Two of everything.” He always carries duplicates of critical gear, including hard drives, chargers, and even cameras. He also emphasizes backing up images daily on two separate hard drives stored in different bags.

“So many things can go wrong,” he warns. “Don’t wait until the next morning to back up. Do it before you go to bed, no matter how tired you are.”

Create a “Bad Day at the Airport” Playlist

Travel delays and airport chaos are inevitable, but Justin has a creative solution: a curated playlist of feel-good songs. “When you’re stuck in a long line or dealing with a delayed flight, music can instantly lift your mood,” he says.

His playlist has helped him stay calm during stressful travel moments, like navigating Indonesia’s notoriously chaotic airports. “Barefoot guy touching your elbow with his toe? No problem. You’ve got your happy tunes.”

Justin never travels without emergency cash (USD or euros) and a separate credit card stashed in a hidden pouch. He also attaches AirTags to all his bags and gear for added security. “I even put one on my wife,” he laughs. “It’s for her safety, not because I’m an overprotective husband.”

Additionally, he swears by an old-school notebook for critical information like flight details, hotel addresses, and emergency contacts. “Phones die, and Wi-Fi can be unreliable. A physical notebook is a hassle-free backup.”

Lockable Suitcases and the Right Airline Program

To protect valuables, Justin uses a lockable suitcase, even for carry-ons. “Not every hotel room has a safe, so this gives me peace of mind,” he explains.

He also advises sticking to one airline loyalty program. For Justin, Sky Priority works best for his regional travel in Southeast Asia. Pairing this with the right credit card maximizes perks like priority boarding and extra baggage allowances.

The YouTube Channel Loophole

Travelling with a lot of gear can raise suspicions at customs. Justin’s clever workaround? Start a YouTube channel. “For some reason, filming for YouTube doesn’t count as working,” he says.

His wife recently used this tactic, showing customs officials a few YouTube thumbnails featuring Justin and herself. “It’s a quick way to avoid fees or accusations of working without a permit.”

Justin’s travel hacks are born from years of experience and a few hard lessons. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiastic amateur, these tips can help you navigate the challenges of travel while keeping your gear safe and your creativity flowing. Check out the full video below for even more genius tips!